New Nexus devices from Samsung,Sony, and LG may be in the works

Three of the world’s most recognizable names in electronics — Samsung, Sony, and LG — may soon be offering up brand new Nexus devices. Based on a leaked fall 2012 lineup listing, Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo will be offering all three in the coming months. The roster includes a slew of new phones, among them the Sony Xperia Nexus, LG Optimus Nexus, and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus 2.

It’s been rumored since May that Google would be expanding the Nexus program and welcoming additional Android OEMs. Asus joined the party with the Nexus 7 tablet, and the Nexus Q made a brief appearance, but there were additional rumblings that said Google’s sights were set on a total of five new Nexus devices this year. Add in the three from Sony, LG, and Samsung that will reportedlyland on NTT DoCoMo, and there’s the magic number.

Our own Russell Holly didn’t think it was likely that we’d see multiple Nexus devices launching this year, but it’s already happened. The Google Play devices section is processing orders like a champ, and the Nexus 7 debut went swimmingly — even outside the U.S., which caught many (including yours truly in Canada) by surprise. Its content stores have also expanded their reach, so it’s certainly possible that Google is pressing its key partners hard to offer up Nexus phones of their own. If the Xperia Nexus, Optimus Nexus, and Galaxy Nexus 2 really are coming soon and they can sell on Google Play anywhere near the $399 off-contract that the Galaxy Nexus does, Android is going to continue making gains in the mobile market.

If this trio of new phones really is on the way, Google will be hoping they’re ready soon — what with the iPhone 5 rumored to be launching on September 21.